Frequently Asked Questions about Collaborative Divorce

How long will my case take?

§  The majority of Collaborative cases are completed in eight months or less. 

How much will it cost?

§  If the Collaborative process is broken down by profession, the average cost in Bucks County for the lawyers is approximately $10,500, the average cost for the financial professional is approximately $2,500, and the average cost for the mental health professional is approximately $2,000.  This is a total cost (not cost per person) of  $15,000.  The average cost of a litigated divorce is double this amount.  The cost is determined on a case by case basis because some cases do not require use of all of these professionals.  Not surprisingly, cases involving children usually cost more than cases without children involved. 

How many meetings will I need to attend?

§  Almost all Collaborative cases involve two or three face-to-face meetings between both clients and the necessary professionals, but it is more common for cases to involve six or seven of these meetings.  On average these meetings usually last between two and three hours. 

How likely is it that my case will settle in the Collaborative process?

§  According to the findings of the IACP Research Committee, 86% of all reported Collaborative cases reached a settlement agreement on all issues.  Even in cases where the parties cannot agree on all of the issues, it is not uncommon for the parties to reach a partial Collaborative agreement.